They included an 89-year-old World War Two hero, Henry Edward Whetnall, who was presented with the medals of his dad who served in the Great War of 1914-18.

It was the first time Henry had seen the original medals after an American cousin saw his story online while researching her family tree.

The story, shared on social media by the Sefton Veterans Project, showed Henry receiving his own missing World War Two medals last year. Henry undertook one of the most dangerous jobs during the war in a bomb disposal team in Palestine.

David Smith, project manager of the Sefton Veterans Project, said: “When Henry told us about his missing medals, we worked hard to track them down from the Ministry of Defence, and it was a very moving presentation.

“We knew we had to present Henry with his father’s original medals to give the honour and respect both men deserved.”

Two other veterans also received lost medals in the presentation held at The Bowersdale Centre in Seaforth.

Tess Cameron, who served in the Royal Navy from 1943 to 1946, was presented with her World War Two General Service Medal.

Colin Johnson, who served in the Royal Green Jackets, received the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, awarded after 18 years’ service. He was never formally presented with the award due to an injury.

David Smith, himself a veteran who served for 24 years, said: “Reuniting veterans with lost medals is just one aspect of our work. However, we believe it’s incredibly important to formally acknowledge these military honours. It’s bringing back pride, recognising those who risked their lives, and not forgetting theirs and their fallen comrades’ sacrifices.”

Also attending the ceremony was his Henry’s great-grandson Daniel Brough, 25, who helped track down the First World War medals and was presented with a replica set at the presentation.

Sefton Veterans Project supports ex-service and serving personnel and their families. Part of its work is to track down and reunite veterans with their missing medals.